Pele collapses due to ‘severe exhaustion’ and cancels trip to England

Brazil legend and former New York Cosmos star Pele collapsed and was taken to the hospital in his home country Thursday morning.

Pele, 77, had been scheduled to travel to England to receive an award from the country's Football Writers Association.

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"In the early hours of Thursday morning, Pele collapsed and was taken to hospital in Brazil where he has undergone a series of tests, which appear to point to severe exhaustion," the organization's executive secretary Paul McCarthy said in a statement, via the L.A. Times. "He remains on fluids while doctors monitor his recovery.

"Thankfully, there is no sugggestion of anything more serious than exhaustion."

A spokesperson for Pele downplayed the severity of the situation, telling the AP that the soccer great had simply cancelled his trip due to fatigue.

"He didn't travel because it was going to be too exhausting to go and come back shortly afterward," Pepito Fornos told the AP. "That's all it is. He is at his home in Guaruja with his family. Resting and doing physiotherapy."

Pele, seen using a walker earlier this week during an event in Brazil, was hospitalized due to exhaustion according to a statement from the Football Writers Association in England. (MAURO PIMENTEL/AFP/Getty Images)

The FWA dinner is scheduled for Sunday in London.

"It goes without saying, Pele has an open invitation to any of our functions once he regains his health," McCarthy said.

Pele, who won a record three World Cups with Brazil, capped his storied playing career with a three-year run with the Cosmos from 1975-1977.

The goal-scoring wonder has been admitted to hospitals in recent years for kidney and prostate procedures. He has also had hip surgery and has recently needed the help of either a walker or wheelchair.

Pele wowed the New York crowds during his time with the Cosmos at the end of his playing career. (Dan Cronin/New York Daily News)

Pele's spokesperson said that despite the recent health issues, the global icon still plans to attend the World Cup in Russia this summer.

"Pele used to make two long trips every month, those that put him in a plane for more than 10 hours," Fornos said. "But now we cut that to one. Doctors say he shouldn't travel one time after the other."